In an effort to combat high production costs, Korean designer Jaemin Lee proposed an alternate frame solution by taking the more simple front triangle of a standard bike and replacing it with an injection molded element. Using a simple rear triangle that could be just snapped into a two piece front, the design allows for a degree of modularity that would still allow frame size and even gearing flexibility in an overall bike that should be able to dramatically lower costs for a city riding bike. Take a closer look after the break…
The main frame would be injection molded plastic injection in two parts with internal ribs for reinforcement that would give rigidity and keep a low weight. While molds would be a relatively expensive startup cost, even molding with a reinforced engineered plastic, each mainframe would be very cheap to produce in large numbers, with molded-in colors cheap and easy. The two halves would just snap together with collars at the headtube, seattube clamp, and bottom bracket further locking it all together.
Outside of the plastic (and recyclable) mainframe and the most-likely aluminum rear end, the bike would use standard components throughout allowing for low budget commuter bikes or individual customization. A pair of holes in front of the headtube are designed to support a modular carrier that would snap in in the same way as the rear triangle. A simple porteur-style rack is the most logical solution, but the designer suggests that other items like a handlebar bag or even lights could be mounted as well. The frame also includes a special water bottle holder, which would use a specific bottle that is held in-place by retractable pins inside the plastic frame.
